I’ve been in two abusive relationships. I don’t really know why. My last marriage was good for 10 years, then he got on Chantix to stop smoking, and he saw eyes on the back of my head or whatever. His bi polar disorder came to the surface and there were many instances where he pulled my hair out by pulling me up the stairs, kicking me in the head until I passed out. Police and drama. One day I knew it wasn’t safe to come home. He was at the very least, going to kill the dog, or kill me. He said I was going to end up on 20/20 because he knew exactly how to kill me and get rid of my body where no one will ever find me. The next morning, he was still mad, which was unusual and started throwing things at me and telling me how disgusting I am. I knew I couldn’t come home that night. I just felt it was going to be severe, so I went to work, got my paycheck, explained to my boss, who had already put precautions in place for him because he’s called my work in a rage before. I had a great friend who got me a pre paid phone and I went to the police to tell them I was scared and leaving town. This was 9 years ago. He has been to prison since, developed mental illness and is somewhat regretful, but doesn’t remember most of the trauma he afflicted on me, so he is resentful of me taking his daughter far away from him. I know that I did the right thing, but taking her away from him always felt terrible. I know they love each other. We moved here in 2012. He came to visit once in 2014. His goal was to bring me back with him. It wasn’t even an option for me. My daughter never heard from him through 2012 to 2018. She’s over it and has little respect for him. She also has little respect for me. She’s a sophomore at college and I pray that all of these issues don’t affect her as she says.